Thousands of Indonesian taxi drivers have brought parts of the capital, Jakarta, to a standstill in a protest against transport apps.

The drivers say ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Grab have made it impossible for them to earn a living in the heavily congested city.

Some protesters were seen attacking vehicles and threatening others drivers not taking part in the strike.

The drivers have been joined by bus and "bajaj" motorbike drivers.

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Tyres were set on fire along the road in one part of the capital

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The protest was much larger than similar action taken last week

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Taxis are completely blocking the road in some areas of the capital

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Thousands of police, some armed, have been deployed

Mobile apps like Grab and Uber have disrupted the transportation industry across Asia, and other parts of the world.

Taxi drivers say they've been disadvantaged because the apps do not face the same costs and regulations as they do.

'They are destroying us'

The BBC's Rebecca Henschke in Jakarta says Tuesday's protest is far bigger than similar action taken last week. She said it was impossible to get a taxi in the city centre.

The protesters have blocked roads outside the parliament, the city administration offices and the ministry of communication, causing massive traffic jams. Tyres were set on fire in at least one location.

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Media captionWatch: People protesting transport apps in Jakarta attack a taxi for not participating

Commuters have expressed frustration.

"This protest is so terrible. They really are rude and overbearing. I was very hurt," Dewi Gayatri, who missed her flight for a business trip, told the Associated Press.

"I hope the government protects Uber, because it's so easy to order and cheaper," she said.